Heavy rainstorms destroyed school buildings and property in Buyanga and Buwagi, Uganda, in 2022. But donations and help from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints means the students will get upgraded classrooms and other facilities soon.
In late November and early December 2022, the Church, school administrators and community leaders broke ground at three schools, reported the Church’s Africa Newsroom. Local construction firms expect the new buildings to be ready in about four months.
Buyanga Primary School will receive three large classrooms of 54 desks each, two medium-size classrooms of 18 desks each, and computer lab, kitchen, water tanks and restroom facilities.
Dhakaba Memorial Primary School will get three large classrooms of 54 desks each, new restrooms for students and teachers, a water tank and kitchen.
Buwagi Primary School will receive three new classrooms, two water tanks and a restroom.
Buwagi District Chairman Muziransa Shafi expressed praise for how quickly the projects were approved and implemented.
“Even the government could not have responded in such a short time period as the Church has done,” he said. “The people extend their consideration, love and wishes for prosperity to Church members who contributed to this project.”
Jinja Uganda Stake President Moses N. Mbiro said the Church prioritizes the wellbeing of everyone irrespective of individual differences such as religion, age, background and ethnicity.
He also said that the Lord loves and cares for all His children in the wake of tragedies such as those caused by the heavy rains.
Six schools in Nakivale, Uganda
Earlier in 2022, the Church partnered with non-profit organization Windle International Uganda to upgrade six schools in the refugee settlement of Nakivale.
The Church funded the building of 18 permanent classrooms across the six schools. The Church also supplied about 380 school desks and chairs, textbooks, and vocational training materials.
As part of the project, the Church also donated 20 desktop computers for Nakivale Secondary School. Internet connectivity and network data for 12 months was also provided so the students would be able to research and learn online.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Nakivale is home to approximately 120,000 people, making it one of the largest refugee camps in the world, reported the Church’s Africa Newsroom.
Elder Dennis Bird and Sister Merrily Bird, humanitarian missionaries, were present at the handover ceremony. Elder Bird told community members and students that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is “here to help our brothers and sisters receive more of the things that the Lord has in store for you.”
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